The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is kicking off its annual employee-driven toy and gift drive, with several downtown charities that support children and families in need among the beneficiaries.
Over the next three weekends, volunteers organizing the "Stuff-the-Bus" campaign hope to collect enough donated toys and gifts to fill TTC buses parked outside several retail locations.
“Stuff-the-Bus has been a cornerstone of our community outreach efforts for 17 years, thanks to the selfless dedication of our employees,” TTC CEO Greg Percy said in a press release.
The TTC last year said more than 10,000 toys and gifts were donated through the generosity of the public.
Percy said he was proud of the TTC's recreation council and all the team members who "embody our core values by volunteering to support those in need.”
All donations collected by the TTC are distributed to charities supporting children and families within Toronto.
“I am extremely proud of all the dedicated TTC employees who volunteer their time and energy to Stuff-the-Bus and make holiday magic for kids and teens around the city,” said Mayor Olivia Chow.
TTC Chair Jamaal Myers encouraged Torontonians who have the means to "donate to Stuff-the-Bus this year and help make the holiday season brighter for children and families in our community.”
Organizations benefiting from the drive include The Hospital for Sick Children, Abuse Hurts, BDC Dovercourt Club, Community Place Hub, Parkdale Peace Project, Progress Place, Yonge Street Mission, Salvation Army, Dr. Roz’s Healing Place, Grace Place and Centenary Hospital Children’s Ward.
People who want to donate are encouraged to consider providing new, unwrapped items suitable for children age 7 to 15.
Gift ideas for young children include toys, books and clothing. For tweens and teens, organizers have requested hoodies, sports gear, curling irons, makeup kits, electronics, books, board games, scarves, gloves and gift cards.
The first toy collection will begin this Saturday and Sunday outside the Walmart Etobicoke Supercentre. More locations for the Stuff-the-Bus drive can be found on the TTC's website.
The TTC has also partnered with the Toronto Police Service, which will be collecting toys and gifts for its "Cram-A-Cruiser" toy drive.
